Nations and Leaders React to Toppling of Syria Regime

Global leaders reacted to the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria with cautious optimism and support for the Syrian people on Sunday.

They expressed hope that the country that has been roiled by more than a decade of civil war could unite in peace, even as fundamental questions remain about the country’s governance, including how the main rebel coalition would balance the competing interests of other forces that hold territory in Syria.

Here are the reactions from leaders and governments around the world as rebel forces claimed to have overthrown Mr. al-Assad, whom the Russian Foreign Ministry said had resigned and left the country.

United Nations: “Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history,” the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said in a statement. He added that this “dark chapter” in the nation’s history had left deep scars, “but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one — one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians.”

Mr. Pedersen spoke of the grief that people have endured as their families have been displaced, killed and detained. And he urged “all Syrians to prioritize dialogue, unity, and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society.”

United States: Daniel Shapiro, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said “no one should shed any tears over the end of the Assad regime.” He said the United States would maintain a presence in eastern Syria “to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS” and will take all necessary measures to defend its forces in the area.